Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Distance | 100 kilometers (62 miles) across undulating terrain |
| Experience Type | Guided luxury hiking with gourmet food and wine pairings |
| Group Size | Exclusive small groups (maximum 10 participants) |
| Best Season | April to October (Cooler months with lush landscapes) |
| Price Point | Approximately $3,750 per person for a premium 5-6 day tour |
| Highlights | 20+ Cellar Doors, Sevenhill Cellars, and the Riesling Trail |
Introduction: Where Elegance Meets the Outback
There is a particular kind of magic that occurs when the rugged, sun-drenched spirit of the Australian outback meets the refined elegance of old-world viticulture. In South Australia’s Clare Valley, this intersection is not merely a concept, but a physical journey. The Clare Valley Wine & Wilderness Trail is a 100km hiking route that invites the sophisticated traveler to step off the beaten path and into a landscape where the air smells of crushed eucalyptus and fermenting grapes. This isn’t just a hike; it is a sensory pilgrimage connecting over 20 world-class cellar doors, luxury sanctuaries like the Clare Valley Wilderness Lodge, and hallowed historic sites such as Sevenhill Cellars.
For those who seek the thrill of the trail without sacrificing the comforts of a silk sheet or a perfectly chilled glass of Riesling, this six-day itinerary offers the ultimate escape. It is a choreography of movement and indulgence, designed for those who believe that the best way to earn a five-course degustation is by traversing the very soil that nurtured the vines.
Planning Your Expedition
To experience the Clare Valley at its most radiant, timing is everything. The region transforms during the cooler months, from April to October, when the hills turn a vibrant, emerald green and the crisp morning air provides the perfect tempo for trekking.
Exclusivity is the cornerstone of this experience. Guided luxury tours are intentionally intimate, maintaining a strict 10-guest maximum to ensure that every tasting is private and every trail moment is serene. Expect to invest approximately $3,750 per person for a premium 5-to-6-day guided tour, a price that secures not just passage through private lands and elite estates, but a seamless, all-inclusive logistics web that leaves you free to simply be.
Day 1: Adelaide to the Heart of Spring Gully
The journey begins with a private transfer from Adelaide, a smooth 1.5-hour drive that watches the urban sprawl give way to rolling golden hills. Your first encounter with the wilderness is an introductory 12km trek through the Spring Gully Conservation Park. Here, the landscape is dramatic—steep gullies and ancient stringybark forests that feel untouched by time.
Lunch is not a mere sandwich in a bag; it is a curated picnic set against the backdrop of the bush, where the local birdsong provides the only soundtrack. To celebrate your first afternoon on the trail, we recommend a tasting at Jeanneret Wines. Nestled in a forest setting, their organic approach produces wines with an incredible depth of character—the perfect reward for your first day’s exertion.
Day 2: The Jesuit Heritage & Polish Hill River
Day two elevates the experience, both literally and figuratively. As you scale the Gillentown Range, the panoramic views across the valley floor reveal a patchwork of vineyards and historic stone walls. The highlight of the morning is a visit to Sevenhill Cellars. Founded by the Jesuits in 1851 to produce sacramental wine, it remains the oldest winery in the region. Walking through their underground cellars, hand-dug by the brothers over a century ago, is a profound encounter with South Australian heritage.
The afternoon calls for a more contemporary form of worship: the culinary arts. You will find yourself at Pikes Slate Restaurant, where the menu is a love letter to regional produce.
After a gourmet lunch featuring seasonal delights like estate-grown vegetables and locally sourced lamb, you will meander toward your evening destination. The day concludes with a private dinner catered by the award-winning Watervale Hotel, known for its "farm-to-plate" philosophy that elevates rustic ingredients to the heights of fine dining.
Day 3: Ridges, Gums, and Gin
Prepare for a physical crescendo as you conquer the Dunns Range, reaching an elevation of 560 meters. The effort is rewarded with a 360-degree vista that captures the true scale of the Wine & Wilderness Trail. Descending from the heights, the path leads you through giant River Red Gums that line the Hutt River, their silver bark shimmering in the afternoon light.
For those who find themselves "wined-out," a refreshing detour awaits: the Clare Valley Distillery. A gin tasting here is a masterclass in regional botanicals, offering a crisp, herbaceous palate cleanser before moving on to lunch at Paulett Wines' Bush deVine Cafe. Here, native ingredients like saltbush and lemon myrtle are woven into the menu, creating a dining experience that is literally rooted in the landscape.
Day 4: The Mintaro Connection & Historic Cottages
The fourth day is a step back into the Victorian era. The trail winds toward the historic town of Mintaro, a village frozen in time with its slate-quarried buildings and manicured hedges. A visit to Martindale Hall is essential; this 19th-century Georgian mansion is a monument to the opulence of Australia’s early pastoralists.
The afternoon is spent wandering through local lavender fields, the scent of purple blooms hanging heavy and sweet in the air. Your overnight stay at Skillogalee is a highlight of the trip. These historic vineyard cottages offer a blend of heritage charm and modern luxury, paired with a dining experience on the terrace that has been a Clare Valley staple for decades.
Day 5: The Riesling Trail & Ultimate Winery Experiences
No journey through this valley is complete without a segment on the world-famous Riesling Trail. Built on a converted railway line, this path offers a gentle gradient and a rhythmic pace. Today, the focus is on the signature grape of the region: the dry Riesling.
We recommend the "behind-the-scenes" tour at Taylors Wines. Their guided river walk and private barrel room tasting provide an intimate look at the family-run estate that helped put Clare Valley on the international map.
As you sip a wine that is as bright and precise as the morning sun, you’ll understand why the 100km Wine & Wilderness Trail has gained such a devoted following. It is the clarity of the landscape reflected in the clarity of the glass.
Explore Taylors Wines Experiences →
Day 6: Final Vistas & The Kangaroo Farewell
Your final morning is a gentle farewell. The trail crosses private properties and wild landscapes where the human footprint is light. It is here, in the quietest corners of the valley, that you are most likely to encounter the local residents—mobs of Eastern Grey kangaroos that graze on the fringes of the vineyards.
A final, celebratory tasting at Kilikanoon Wines marks the end of your trek. With its reputation for powerful reds and elegant whites, Kilikanoon encapsulates the dual nature of the valley: the strength of the wilderness and the finesse of the wine. A luxury transfer awaits to whisk you back to Adelaide, leaving you with the lingering taste of slate and sun-ripened fruit.
Luxury Basecamp: The Clare Valley Wilderness Lodge
Throughout your journey, your sanctuary is the Clare Valley Wilderness Lodge. This is not a mere hotel; it is a large stone home designed to bring the outside in. With floor-to-ceiling windows and grand open fireplaces, the lodge offers a space to reflect on the day’s trek in total comfort.
- Accommodations: Choose between expansive King suites for couples or Twin share options for solo travelers seeking a shared experience.
- Ambiance: The lodge balances rustic materials—stone and timber—with high-end finishes, ensuring that while you are in the heart of the wilderness, you are never far from luxury.
- Service: From boot-cleaning services to personalized wine lockers, every detail is handled with unhurried grace.
FAQs
How difficult is the hiking on the Wine & Wilderness Trail? The terrain is considered moderate. While there are some challenging ascents—such as the Dunns Range—the pace is unhurried, and the path is well-maintained. A reasonable level of fitness will allow you to enjoy the views rather than focus on the exertion.
What should I pack for a luxury hiking tour in Clare Valley? Layering is key. Even in the cooler months, the sun can be warm during the day, while evenings at the lodge are chilly. Bring high-quality hiking boots, a sun hat, and "smart-casual" attire for evening winery dinners.
Is luggage transfer included in guided tours? Yes. One of the primary benefits of the luxury guided experience is that your luggage is moved seamlessly between accommodations. You only need to carry a small daypack with your essentials and, perhaps, a newly purchased bottle of Riesling.
Embark on Your Journey
The Clare Valley is waiting to reveal its secrets to those willing to walk its ridges and taste its soil. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a dedicated oenophile, this 100km trail offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from the world and reconnect with the senses.
